Answer:
9.332 = [H₂CO₃] / [HCO₃⁻]
Explanation:
It is possible to find the ratio of carbonic acid:bicarbonate ion using Henderson-Hasselbalch formula:
pH = pka+ log₁₀ [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]
If pH of the solution is 5.41 and pKa of the solution is -logKa = 6.38.
Replacing:
5.41 = 6.38 + log₁₀ [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]
-0.97 = log₁₀ [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]
0.107 = [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]
This is the ratio of bicarbonate ion:carbonic acid, now, the ratio of carbonic acid:bicarbonate ion is:
1 / 0.107 = 9.332 = [H₂CO₃] / [HCO₃⁻]
